In surprisingly picking Sexton ahead of Ireland points record-holder Ronan O'Gara, coach Declan Kidney said on Tuesday he wanted a better trial of Sexton to know if he can be O'Gara's long-term successor at flyhalf, where Ireland doesn't enjoy much depth.

"I know we have a world-class outside half in Ronan but we have to find out things about ourselves," Kidney said.

"Jonathan had a good game last week but with respect, Fiji were short of a few so it was difficult to read. I need to find out more."

Sexton converted all seven of his goalkicks in wet and wind for 16 points in the 41-6 defeat of Fiji, and received praise from both sides for his accuracy and cool temperament.

But Fiji is not the world champion Springboks, whom O'Gara faced this summer on his third British and Irish Lions tour. He's on the bench against a major opponent for the first time since the 2003 World Cup.

"I know we still have Ronan available," Kidney said. "He's disappointed he's not playing but I can't pick everybody all of the time.

"Ronan is disappointed but is the perfect pro. He's taken it on the chin, has continued training and has contributed to the team exactly as he would normally."

After filling his lineup with reserves against Fiji, Kidney returned largely to the lineup which drew 20-20 with Australia.

That meant loosehead prop Cian Healy was recovered from a shoulder injury, and lock Donncha O'Callaghan, flanker David Wallace, scrumhalf Tomas O'Leary, inside center Paddy Wallace and winger Tommy Bowe were back.

Winger Keith Earls, who bagged a pair against Fiji, replaced Luke Fitzgerald, who had a knee injury.

The Springboks, who won for the first time in four European tour matches with a 32-10 victory at Italy on Saturday, delayed naming their side until Thursday to try and clear up a long list of injuries.

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Ireland: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (captain), Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Tomas O'Leary; Cian Healy, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Leo Cullen, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Gordon D'Arcy.